You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding what to mix vodka with. Vodka is super versatile, works well with many different mixer types, and forms the base of many legendary co*cktails and drinks. So, if you have a bottle of vodka and some good friends coming over, here are 20 fuss-free 2-ingredient vodka drinks to mix up at home.
1. Vodka Soda (vodka and club soda)
Soda water isn’t the most obvious choice when deciding what to mix vodka with. But it is one of the best mixers you can choose if you love the taste of vodka. Because there’s no sugar or added flavor in the soda water, it will give the vodka a chance to shine. This dry and alcohol-forward 2-ingredient co*cktail is simple to make and a good drink choice if you’re watching your weight.
To make a vodka soda, pour vodka into a highball glass, top it with soda water, and add a squeeze of fresh lime, dropping it into the drink for a burst of color and zest. Bubbly and sublime, this simple drink is a classic, but if you prefer a bit of sweetness, add some simple syrup and turn it into a Vodka Collins. Or perhaps you want to play around with some flavored vodka drinks in this format? The world is your oyster!
Make it with: SKYY Vodka
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2. Moscow Mule (vodka and ginger beer)
When it comes to what can be mixed with vodka, ginger beer has got to be one of our favorite mixers. The combination of fiery ginger beer and vodka results in an insanely refreshing drink. This simple ingredient adds layers of complex flavor, and when you mix it with vodka, you’ve got yourself the ultimate thirst quencher. Just one word of advice. Make sure you choose a quality brand made with natural ginger and without added sugar.
To make a ginger beer with vodka, add 2 oz SKYY vodka to an ice-filled highball glass. Next, add 4 oz ginger beer, stir gently and serve. You can also go the extra mile and turn this easy 2-ingredient vodka drink into the iconic Moscow Mule, which uses a copper mug instead and adds ½ oz fresh lime juice. Super impressive, totally Insta-worthy, and easy to make! Go on, try it!
You might also like: All the Tangy Ginger Beer co*cktails You’ll Ever Need
3. Vodka Tonic (vodka and tonic water)
Gin is probably the first thing you think about when deciding what to mix tonic water with, but mixing vodka with tonic is a classic choice—especially if you prefer a more bittersweet vodka drink.To make one, add 2 oz vodka to a tall glass with ice. Top with 4 oz tonic water and add a slice of lemon for garnish. Simple and sophisticated, this slow sipper is an excellent drink for casual get-togethers with friends.
TOP TIP: Keen to push out the boat? Try making your own simple syrup with the addition of a herb like thyme to add something completely unique to a drink like this.
4. Bloody Mary (vodka and tomato juice)
Yes, ok. This savory drink isn’t strictly a 2-ingredient co*cktail, but if you’re trying to figure out what to mix with vodka at home, your kitchen (and pantry) is an excellent place to start. This is the classic hair of the dog that fixes the bad choices after an epic night before.
We’re talking about the boss of brunch: the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail. It’s a classic combination of vodka, tomato juice, spices, and garnishes. So, if you’re planning a weekend brunch with friends, make sure you’ve got vodka and tomato juice on your shopping list!
You might also like: 11 Best Brunch co*cktails for Easy Entertaining.
5. Vodka Cranberry (vodka and cranberry juice)
If you love a Cosmopolitan co*cktail, there is no doubt you’ll be a fan of the legendary cranberry vodka, which numbers among the most popular co*cktails in the world. And if you think these pink drinks belong on the dusty shelves of our college years, think again! A simple Vodka Cranberry can be dressed up with a wheel of fresh lime for extra tang and style. And if you add a splash of fresh orange juice to the mix, you’ve got yourself a refreshing and sophisticated Madras co*cktail.
Easy to mix up at a moment’s notice and even easier to drink, keep this classic drink on your summertime co*cktail menu for fuss-free entertainment.
You might also like: 14 Easy Summer co*cktails That Look Super Fancy
6. Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice)
Vodka and orange juice served on ice is also known as a classic Screwdriver co*cktail. This is a very popular drink, and it makes sense: juices are known to be good mixes with vodka. Serve these refreshing orange co*cktails as a cheeky start to brunch or poolside with friends on a hot day.
Making this drink is simple, but there are a few rules. One, use good vodka. Two, use fresh orange juice. And, three, make sure all your ingredients are chilled. Stick to these three golden rules, and this anytime co*cktail will be a hit with your crowd.
TOP TIP:Vodka is basically a blank canvas and you can take it anywhere, which makes fresh fruit juice an ideal mixer choice.
You might also like: 11 Zesty Orange Juice co*cktails for Every Occasion and Season.
7. French Martini (vodka and pineapple juice)
You probably think that rum is a better fit for pineapple juice, but vodka is versatile and works brilliantly too. This is an excellent drink if you’re dreaming of a beach holiday and craving those sweet tropical tastes. To make a vodka pineapple, pour 2 oz vodka over ice in a tall glass, followed by 3 oz fresh (unsweetened) pineapple juice. We prefer this vodka-forward ratio because we enjoy the taste of vodka, but add more pineapple juice for a lighter, less obvious drink.
Add ½ oz grenadine and ½ oz fresh lime juice and garnish with pineapple leaves for something a little more beach-glam. Or add cranberry liqueur and shake it with ice, vodka, and pineapple juice to make a French Martini—a sophisticated summertime co*cktail for dinners.
8. Greyhound co*cktail (vodka and grapefruit juice)
Grapefruit meets the smoothness of vodka in this tart and tangy drink. It’s a classic combination known as a Greyhound co*cktail and makes a perfect brunch co*cktail if you’re tired of the usual orange juice business.Legend has it this co*cktail got its name back in the 1950s when the popularity of vodka started to take off in the US. Although this refreshing drink was originally made with gin, a restaurant chain in Greyhound bus terminals called Post House served theirs with vodka. Another great grapefruit-based drink to try is the Sea Breeze, which combines it with cranberry for some extra depth of flavor.
You might also like: 11 Easy Peasy 2-Ingredient co*cktails to Try at Home.
9. Vodka Cola (vodka and co*ke)
Wondering what to mix with vodka to make it taste good? If you don’t enjoy vodka, but that’s all you have in your bar, mix it with cola. This classic sweet and sugary mixer will go a long way to disguise the taste of vodka but will still have that boozy kick you’re craving.
For the best result, go with 2 parts vodka and 1 part cola, and adjust it according to your taste from there. Or, if you want to make it a little different, use vanilla or cherry-flavored cola instead.
10. Vodka and lime juice
Vodka and lime are a classic combination, and the most important thing to remember when making this 2-ingredient vodka co*cktail is the quality of the ingredients. Lime juice and vodka also form the base of some great co*cktails. For example, add some simple syrup to create a Vodka Gimlet, or top it with soda or lemonade for a refreshing drink slightly lower in alcohol. Or, if you find the taste of lime too tart, use lime cordial instead for a totally different-tasting drink. Delicious!
You might also like: 11 Sublime Lime co*cktails You Gotta Try
11. Vodka and lemonade
This is a classic mixer for vodka, and while store-bought lemonade will do the trick, we prefer homemade. Refreshing and delicious, a well-mixed vodka lemonade is always a great thirst quencher for hot summers. So, if life gives you lemons, make some sweet and sour lemonade and add vodka. And if you want to add something extra, we suggest some muddled fruit (like strawberries, cranberries, or even limes) to make it a little more special.
12. Vodka Martini (vodka and vermouth)
James Bond was probably the number one fan of vodka mixed with vermouth, and we’re a close second.When you stir together vermouth with vodka and ice, you’re creating a Vodka Martini. While many people will argue that gin is a better choice for martinis, we say choose what you like.
If you use good-quality vodka and great vermouth like Cinzano Extra Dry, you’re on to a winner! And while 007 was a fan of a shaken martini, it’s definitely better when stirred. It creates a less diluted drink and makes the vodka and vermouth shine. This classic martini is an excellent co*cktail choice if you love a vodka-forward drink! Of course, you could always play around and try something a little more involved, like the Dirty Martini.
You might also like: 14 Types of Martinis You Should Know.
13. Vodka and iced tea
Vodka and iced tea is one of the best summer drinks out there, because its easy to make your own and control its strength, flavor and sweetness. If you love vodka, then iced tea is a good choice as it won’t mask the taste, but rather boost it. Flavor-wise you can go in a lot of directions, and some of our best iced tea flavors include mango, mint, peach and lemon. We suggest you play around and find your fave.
14. Vodka and ginger ale
Ginger ale has a unique spicy sweetness that complements the smooth, clean taste of vodka, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. For instance, the Vodka and Ginger Ale co*cktail is a delightful drink that perfectly balances the bold flavors of vodka and the refreshing taste of ginger ale. This drink is a beautiful marriage of a crisp, clean vodka base and the bubbly, spicy sweetness of ginger ale, resulting in a drink that is both refreshing and invigorating.
15. Black Russian (vodka and coffee liqueur)
Made with just vodka and coffee liqueur, the tempting Black Russian co*cktail is surprisingly flavoursome—especially if sweetened cold coffee is your vibe. Fun fact – the Black Russian predates the White Russian; it was first poured in Brussels in the 1940s (nowhere near Russia!).
16. Strawberry Vodka Lemonade (strawberry-flavoured vodka and lemonade)
The invigorating Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is the ultimate thirst quencher. A tantalizing blend of sweet and sour, strawberry-flavored vodka gives the drink a fruity kick while the lemonade adds a touch of sparkle. Served over ice with a slice of lemon, it’s the perfect summer co*cktail and the ultimate indulgence on a hot day.
17. Vodka and Dr. Pepper
The perfect balance of bold and smooth, the combination of vodka and Dr. Pepper creates a unique and delicious taste profile. The crispness of the vodka perfectly complements the rich and complex flavors of the Dr. Pepper cola, resulting in a beautifully refreshing drink. The blend of sweet cherry, caramel, and vanilla notes of Dr. Pepper is elevated by the subtle sting of the vodka.
18. Arctic Kiss co*cktail (vodka and Champagne)
If you love the effervescence of Champagne co*cktails, and the clear kick of vodka, you are going to adore an Arctic Kiss. Pour 2 oz SKYY Vodka into a chilled flute, top it off with 3 oz Champagne, and serve. Simple, elegant, and very good.
19. Vodka and apple juice
Indulge in the crisp and refreshing blend of vodka and apple juice for a mouth-watering experience. The smooth and silky vodka perfectly complements the naturally sweet and tangy flavors of the apple juice, creating a perfectly balanced drink for a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends. Of course, you could also try vodka and apple cider if you’re feeling particularly sprightly…
20. Limoncello Lemon Drop (vodka and limoncello)
Arguably one of the best limoncello co*cktail recipes for beginners, the classic Lemon Drop Martini is one of those drinks that will quickly become a regular occurrence on your DIY line-up as soon as you’ve poured the first one. The Limoncello Lemon Drop co*cktail recipe ups the ante on this mixed drink format by combining 2 oz limoncello, 1 oz vodka, and 0.5 oz lemon juice for a zesty drink that always leaves a lasting impression.
